HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 ESSB 5479

Title:  An act relating to time periods for provisional status of certificated employees.

Brief Description:  Changing time periods for provisional status for certificated employees.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Benton, West, Hochstatter, Swecker, McDonald and Oke).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 19, 1998.

Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  During the first two years of employment in a school district, most teachers and non-supervisory certificated staff have provisional employment status. Teachers and non-supervisory certificated employees who have two or more years of certificated work experience in another Washington State school district have provisional status for one year instead of two.  The school district superintendent must evaluate provisional employees annually.  The evaluation includes the following issues: instruction, classroom management, professional preparation and scholarship, any needed improvement, the ability to handle discipline and attendance problems, interest in teaching students, and subject matter knowledge.   District superintendents may exercise the option not to renew the contracts of provisional teachers or non-supervisory certificated employees, subject to appropriate notification of reasons and due process requirements.

Summary of Bill:  Most teachers and other non-supervisory certificated staff are provisional district employees during the first three years of employment.  An exception remains for new hires with two or more years certificated work experience in another Washington school district; their provisional employment status with the new district lasts one year.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.